The concept of unconscious bias is a fancy way of referring to the automatic assumptions that come to us like second nature or our “gut feeling”. It’s important to highlight that having assumptions is not an inherently bad thing, we as humans are hardwired to make assumptions based on our culture and the environment we’re in from an evolutionary standpoint. However, what we do with these assumptions matters and if we are going about our day acting unconsciously based on our biases we can unintentionally harm those around us.
what is unconscious bias?
Unconscious bias refers to the assumptions, prejudices, and stereotypes that people may form towards other individuals and groups – particularly those belonging to marginalized races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and physical abilities. Specifically, these are the biases people carry without even being aware that they hold them. This often comes as a result of upbringing, popular media, education, and cultural institutions that subconsciously instil these beliefs from an early age.
types of unconscious bias
Affinity bias describes a type of bias in where people are partial towards people who share similarities to them such as a part of their identity or background.
Attribution bias describes a type of bias that shows up in how people rationalize the behaviour or outcomes for others such as attributing someone’s success in their career to their intelligence and charisma rather than viewing their success as a byproduct of privilege or preferential treatment in the workplace.
Confirmation bias describes a type of bias in where someone actively seeks out information that confirms their preexisting ideas and opinions.
moving from unconscious bias to conscious bias
We can’t overcome our biases without acknowledging that we have them. When we’re acting out of a place of awareness for the biases we may hold due to our upbringing and conditioning we can reduce the harm we expose others to. Being conscious of this allows us to begin the process of examining these biases critically and educating ourselves in order to unlearn them.
Set expectations through leading by example. When leadership demonstrates efforts to reduce and challenge bias in the workplace, it conveys the message to all employees that organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Invest in unconscious bias training for your organization. Educating the entire workplace on the harmful nature of bias and how to combat it helps protect marginalized employees and shows these employees that you take their safety and wellbeing seriously.
unconscious bias in the hiring and promotion process
One common way unconscious bias shows up in the workplace is through the hiring process where many recruiters hire based on their “gut feeling”. It’s important to reassess your hiring and promotion practices if you believe unconscious bias may be present as this can have a damaging impact on the organization by either missing out on potential talent during hiring or causing employees to leave after failing to be promoted. HR team members should be given extensive training on unconscious bias and display efforts to undo their own biases. Additionally, it’s a good idea to take the necessary actions to transition into becoming an equal opportunity employer and include equal opportunity employment statements in your job postings to encourage members of marginalized groups to apply with confidence that they will be welcome in your workplace and not discriminated in the hiring process.
protect your employees from bias
Create an anonymous outlet for employees to report instances of bias in the workplace that they have observed or experienced themselves. Ensuring anonymity protects this employee from retaliation whilst allowing the complaint to be addressed.
